Indian American recognized for his extraordinary contribution

Eminent Indian American physician and philanthropist Dr Sudhir Parikh, who was awarded with the prestigious Padam Shri this year, has been recognized in the US Congress for his extraordinary contribution.

Eminent Indian American physician and philanthropist Dr Sudhir Parikh, who was awarded with the prestigious Padam Shri this year, has been recognized in the US Congress for his extraordinary contribution.

"I applaud Dr Parikh's achievements and dedication and recognize his work as it serves as an inspiration to us all," influential US Congressman Frank Pallone said in his remarks in the US House of Representatives.

"Madam Speaker, please join me in leading this body in acknowledgement of the extraordinary contributions of Dr Sudhir Parikh. He is a greatly valued citizen of the state of New Jersey, and I am honoured to recognize him today," Pallone said.

A nationally acclaimed and respected allergist and immunologist, Dr Parikh, the Congressman said has used his time, money and influence to advance the goals of the Indian American and Indian communities.

With the Padma Shri award, Dr Parikh becomes the only Indian American to receive the Ellis Island Medal of Honour, the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, the Congressman said.

The Ellis Island Medal is the highest civilian honour presented to a US immigrant for community and social service.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman award is the highest honour the Government of India presents to non-residents.

"Publisher of Parikh Worldwide Media, the largest Indian American publishing group in the US, Dr Parikh's priority is to use the media to empower second-generation Indians assimilating to American society," Pallone said.

"His work with the media has a dual purpose: to expose mainstream America to the accomplishments and quality of the Indian American community and to encourage young people to pursue the American Dream," the New Jersey Congressman said in his remarks.

Pallone said Dr Parikh has also helped construct an influential Indian American lobbying force in Washington, arranged several high-level meetings between US and Indian lawmakers and secured critical votes on multiple Indian issues.

"Dr Parikh has worked closely with members of both houses of Congress and the Administration to develop a close, strategic relationship between US and India," Pallone said.

The New Jersey Congressman in his remarks in the House of Representative said, under his guidance, the Friends of India Caucus was created in the Senate.